Congress is working on an omnibus appropriations bill to keep the government open, facing a funding deadline of 23 December following the passage of a a short-term extension before the original 15 December deadline. The total spending package is $1.7 trillion and both parties are weighing in the priorities prior to the House switching party control on 3 January. Democrats are trying to get some things included before the Republicans gain control of the House, and Republicans are considering strategies about what to compromise on and what to hold out until they control the House. However, it looks as if the Senate Republicans will come to some sort of deal on a bill that can pass both chambers still under Democrat control. That is setting o...